Game 2 of the NLDS between the Dodgers and Padres had everything—big swings, wild reactions, and some heated words. In the sixth, Manny Machado took Clayton Kershaw deep in what felt like a personal moment between former teammates. Then the drama spiked in the seventh. With the Dodgers clinging to a one-run lead, Kershaw plunked Trent Grisham, and Dave Roberts yanked him. In came Brusdar Graterol, who opened with an effortless 100 mph heater. The very next pitch, Fernando Tatis Jr. crushed a ball to dead center, but Cody Bellinger tracked it down and robbed a go-ahead homer with a ridiculous grab.
The catch sparked chaos. Bellinger celebrated mid-air, Graterol chucked his glove and hat, and there was a full display of emotion in the Dodgers dugout. Bellinger’s freakish play saved the Dodgers, but it also triggered Machado, who started chirping from the Padres side. Graterol responded with a smile and more animated reactions, and Max Muncie jumped in, telling Machado to head back to his dugout.
Later, Machado got his chance against Graterol. First pitch missed outside, second pitch jammed him. He grounded out. Every part of this moment felt personal, like it was bigger than just one inning. The Dodgers got the last word, both with the glove and the scoreboard.